Setting
Default Location for Camp Athens: The Second Year
Minimap
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Camp Athens is a part of 
Camp Athens: The Second Year.
26 Characters Here
Sylas Astor [56] The Enigma
Andromeda Bolton [53] The Dauntless
Sloane Astor [52] The Prodigy
Wesley Preston [49] The Teddy Bear
Evelyn Masters [48] The X Factor
Nicholas Bower [47] The Earthshaker
Trinity Wallace [46] The Fiery Heart
Rae Meadows [45] The Moon
Liam O'Connor [44] The Bruiser
Mason Hughson [38] The Harbinger
Start Character Here »
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Even though it had barely been a moment since she’d decided that the best course of action was to charge headlong at a dragon, a living, fire-breathing dragon no less; Fiona was already having doubts. Her muscles were screaming at her in protest as she was only clinging to consciousness and managing to stay upright due to the adrenaline buoying her along, so while her initial rush forward had been full of energy and jubilation, she’d slowed a little as she tried to plan how best to attack the creature.
Though, the others who were already engaged with the beast seemed to be slowly gaining the upper hand, or at least were still alive and hadn’t been roasted as of yet as they were attempting to pin down its wings. The bursts of flame shooting through the night were definitely disconcerting, especially when one of them impacted directly in front of her, causing Fiona to have to dive backwards and rolling painfully across the grass as she cursed emphatically.
Stumbling back to her feet, Fiona glanced round and spotted one of the other girls dashing off into the forest after shouting that she could ‘fix this’ with what seemed to be a purpose given her sudden rush. Though it could just as easily have been to just get away from the dragon, which was probably the most sensible approach of any of them; but Fiona didn’t think that was what she was doing, especially after telling everyone she could sort this mess out.
Almost as soon as the girl had vanished from sight there was movement between the trees, between all of the trees, all around them. ”oh fuck right off.” she screamed into the increasing downpour as her eyes moved from one slowly emerging figure to the next as what looked to be dozens, if not hundreds of all kinds of monsters from a myriad of nightmares. The roar of a chainsaw split the night and Fiona couldn’t help but laugh, a little manically perhaps, at the sight of the girl driving the gnashing teeth into the dragons’ scales.
Despite reading her blades to fight back against the first creature that would reach her she made no moves towards any of them as she could feel the fight in her ebbing away as exhaustion stole over her. Thankfully, they were taking their time to close the distance but when a growling pair of satyrs charged the last few feet, she leapt forward to meet them.
However, at the exact moment her knives met with their flesh, both of her two assailants as well as all the other shadowy creatures that were bearing down on her suddenly vanished. Without the stopping power of actually engaging with another combatant the surge that had carried her forward continued and set her once more crashing hard into the dirt.
She’d manage to register that everything that had been threatening them nearby, even the dragon was just no longer there, so feeling quite fed up of this whole night she rolled over onto her back just lay there for a while to catch her breath as she groaned in pain.
It could have been a few minutes or even hours later that the voice came over the Tanoy system directing everyone back towards the arena.
"Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?"
Fiona felt a similar lost of time between hearing the voice and actually getting to her feet, just about managing to put one foot in front of the other as her head swam and her body ached. She was dimly aware that she probably didn’t have a cabin to return to necessarily as one or more of the minotaurs had smashed her bed apart when she’d first awoken to this hell. She’d put her knives away, and was nursing the arm she’d dislocated earlier as the pain in the shoulder joint was making itself heard now that the adrenaline had almost entirely faded.
She could just about manage to put one foot in front of the other barely registered the other campers moving around till she walked straight into one of them inside the arena, having either zoned out or just fallen asleep on her feet.
”Hey, Nick” She mumbled a little, her eyes blinking as she tried to clear the bleariness from her vision. ”Hell o’a first night in camp, eh?” She was wobbling a little on her feet as she gave the son of a Poseidon a tired grin.
Veronica was definitely feeling a little flighty and on edge given the events of the night so far, and the vampire writhing on the floor certainly hadn’t helped for her state of calm. Though the newest arrival at camp was certainly improving the mood as far as she was concerned, even if they were all looking a little worse for wear.
The touch of Ethan’s hand on her shoulder made her start for a moment before she felt her anxiety subside a little, though there was some resistance as her own powers pushed back against his slightly. Before he was able to enforce complete serenity upon her Benjy raised his hand and the small clearing was suddenly filled with blinding light which caused Ethan to step back and turn to where Daniel was finishing the Vampire off.
While Ethan was speaking to Daniel the newcomer had turned to speak to her, though she’d caught him stealing glances at her already, as if she hadn’t noticed.
”Are you ok?” The boy asked, his breathing heavy from his magical light.
Veronica smiled coyly and leant closer to him, her fingers lightly brushing against his arm as she breathed ”I’m better now.” as soon as the words left her lips she closed her eyes and mouthed ‘fuck’ to herself before inching backwards slightly. Her body often had a mind of its own when she wasn’t careful, and she needed to keep a better hold of herself. ”Sorry…” she whispered, blushing with embarrassment.
However, the boy had stepped away and was resting against a nearby boulder, or at least what had been a boulder. Veronica jumped backwards from the monster that had suddenly appeared and was beginning to transform into a chest trying to devour the boy. Despite the jolt causing all of her injuries renewed pain she did her best to move forwards, using her makeshift walking stick as a club to beat the mimic as best she could though not to much success.
Just as the chests fanged lid slammed shut around Benjy, much to Veronica’s frustration at her futile efforts, it vanished into a puff of smoke and dust leaving him lying unmoving on his back but thankfully not any further injured. She couldn’t help letting out a burst of laughter at the sudden luck that found them she lent down slightly to offer her hand to the prone boy if he needed help to stand
”Hey there, I’m Veronica, are you ok?” She smiled with visible relief that the creature hadn’t done him any harm.
After Daniel had collapsed and the Mimic had vanished, Ethan had turned back to Veronica, offering to take her with them to the Infirmary though no sooner had he done so the night was filled with the crackling sound of a woman’s voice over the speakers of the camp advising everyone to head to the Arena. Ethan had then picked up Daniel and slung him across the back of the horse along with before riding over to her and Benjy, offering now to take her to the Arena with him instead of the Infirmary.
”You’ll be better with just the two of you, I’d be afraid I’d fall off or all of us could. Daniel could do with getting back sooner anyway.” she glanced over at the others and then turned to smile warmly up at Ethan ”I’ll just walk back with them, thanks.”
Nodding in response Ethan pulled on the reins and made sure to steady Daniels prone form before nudging the horse into a canter in the direction of the Arena. Once there he did his best to help Daniel back down and made him comfortable on one of the benches ringing the Arena before seeking out someone to help check him over.
After watching the horse ride off, Veronica turned back and walked over to where the other two were, thinking it would be best for them to travel back to the Arena together. Just in case there was still dangers in the Forest even if everything seemed to have calmed now.
Even though it had barely been a moment since she’d decided that the best course of action was to charge headlong at a dragon, a living, fire-breathing dragon no less; Fiona was already having doubts. Her muscles were screaming at her in protest as she was only clinging to consciousness and managing to stay upright due to the adrenaline buoying her along, so while her initial rush forward had been full of energy and jubilation, she’d slowed a little as she tried to plan how best to attack the creature.
Though, the others who were already engaged with the beast seemed to be slowly gaining the upper hand, or at least were still alive and hadn’t been roasted as of yet as they were attempting to pin down its wings. The bursts of flame shooting through the night were definitely disconcerting, especially when one of them impacted directly in front of her, causing Fiona to have to dive backwards and rolling painfully across the grass as she cursed emphatically.
Stumbling back to her feet, Fiona glanced round and spotted one of the other girls dashing off into the forest after shouting that she could ‘fix this’ with what seemed to be a purpose given her sudden rush. Though it could just as easily have been to just get away from the dragon, which was probably the most sensible approach of any of them; but Fiona didn’t think that was what she was doing, especially after telling everyone she could sort this mess out.
Almost as soon as the girl had vanished from sight there was movement between the trees, between all of the trees, all around them. ”oh fuck right off.” she screamed into the increasing downpour as her eyes moved from one slowly emerging figure to the next as what looked to be dozens, if not hundreds of all kinds of monsters from a myriad of nightmares. The roar of a chainsaw split the night and Fiona couldn’t help but laugh, a little manically perhaps, at the sight of the girl driving the gnashing teeth into the dragons’ scales.
Despite reading her blades to fight back against the first creature that would reach her she made no moves towards any of them as she could feel the fight in her ebbing away as exhaustion stole over her. Thankfully, they were taking their time to close the distance but when a growling pair of satyrs charged the last few feet, she leapt forward to meet them.
However, at the exact moment her knives met with their flesh, both of her two assailants as well as all the other shadowy creatures that were bearing down on her suddenly vanished. Without the stopping power of actually engaging with another combatant the surge that had carried her forward continued and set her once more crashing hard into the dirt.
She’d manage to register that everything that had been threatening them nearby, even the dragon was just no longer there, so feeling quite fed up of this whole night she rolled over onto her back just lay there for a while to catch her breath as she groaned in pain.
It could have been a few minutes or even hours later that the voice came over the Tanoy system directing everyone back towards the arena.
"Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?"
Fiona felt a similar lost of time between hearing the voice and actually getting to her feet, just about managing to put one foot in front of the other as her head swam and her body ached. She was dimly aware that she probably didn’t have a cabin to return to necessarily as one or more of the minotaurs had smashed her bed apart when she’d first awoken to this hell. She’d put her knives away, and was nursing the arm she’d dislocated earlier as the pain in the shoulder joint was making itself heard now that the adrenaline had almost entirely faded.
She could just about manage to put one foot in front of the other barely registered the other campers moving around till she walked straight into one of them inside the arena, having either zoned out or just fallen asleep on her feet.
”Hey, Nick” She mumbled a little, her eyes blinking as she tried to clear the bleariness from her vision. ”Hell o’a first night in camp, eh?” She was wobbling a little on her feet as she gave the son of a Poseidon a tired grin.
Veronica was definitely feeling a little flighty and on edge given the events of the night so far, and the vampire writhing on the floor certainly hadn’t helped for her state of calm. Though the newest arrival at camp was certainly improving the mood as far as she was concerned, even if they were all looking a little worse for wear.
The touch of Ethan’s hand on her shoulder made her start for a moment before she felt her anxiety subside a little, though there was some resistance as her own powers pushed back against his slightly. Before he was able to enforce complete serenity upon her Benjy raised his hand and the small clearing was suddenly filled with blinding light which caused Ethan to step back and turn to where Daniel was finishing the Vampire off.
While Ethan was speaking to Daniel the newcomer had turned to speak to her, though she’d caught him stealing glances at her already, as if she hadn’t noticed.
”Are you ok?” The boy asked, his breathing heavy from his magical light.
Veronica smiled coyly and leant closer to him, her fingers lightly brushing against his arm as she breathed ”I’m better now.” as soon as the words left her lips she closed her eyes and mouthed ‘fuck’ to herself before inching backwards slightly. Her body often had a mind of its own when she wasn’t careful, and she needed to keep a better hold of herself. ”Sorry…” she whispered, blushing with embarrassment.
However, the boy had stepped away and was resting against a nearby boulder, or at least what had been a boulder. Veronica jumped backwards from the monster that had suddenly appeared and was beginning to transform into a chest trying to devour the boy. Despite the jolt causing all of her injuries renewed pain she did her best to move forwards, using her makeshift walking stick as a club to beat the mimic as best she could though not to much success.
Just as the chests fanged lid slammed shut around Benjy, much to Veronica’s frustration at her futile efforts, it vanished into a puff of smoke and dust leaving him lying unmoving on his back but thankfully not any further injured. She couldn’t help letting out a burst of laughter at the sudden luck that found them she lent down slightly to offer her hand to the prone boy if he needed help to stand
”Hey there, I’m Veronica, are you ok?” She smiled with visible relief that the creature hadn’t done him any harm.
After Daniel had collapsed and the Mimic had vanished, Ethan had turned back to Veronica, offering to take her with them to the Infirmary though no sooner had he done so the night was filled with the crackling sound of a woman’s voice over the speakers of the camp advising everyone to head to the Arena. Ethan had then picked up Daniel and slung him across the back of the horse along with before riding over to her and Benjy, offering now to take her to the Arena with him instead of the Infirmary.
”You’ll be better with just the two of you, I’d be afraid I’d fall off or all of us could. Daniel could do with getting back sooner anyway.” she glanced over at the others and then turned to smile warmly up at Ethan ”I’ll just walk back with them, thanks.”
Nodding in response Ethan pulled on the reins and made sure to steady Daniels prone form before nudging the horse into a canter in the direction of the Arena. Once there he did his best to help Daniel back down and made him comfortable on one of the benches ringing the Arena before seeking out someone to help check him over.
After watching the horse ride off, Veronica turned back and walked over to where the other two were, thinking it would be best for them to travel back to the Arena together. Just in case there was still dangers in the Forest even if everything seemed to have calmed now.
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xxxxxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b
“Over here ugly!” Wes hollered at the pig, diverting its attention to him.
Trinity dove for it, knowing it would charge and swiped at air, meeting the ground. She even made a desperate second lunge for its tail or hoof, or whatever she could grasp at but to no avail, the creature far swifter for its size than anticipated. “Shit!” Trinity punched at the ground in frustration but laying there she also found she was sore, sustained more cuts and bruises than she thought and felt, and her muscles were turning stubborn.
When she pushed herself up to her knees, she saw the boar and Wes entangled in an almost bizarre and wild wrestle for control, and for a moment it looked like anyone could end up on top, but when Wes wrapped his mechanical arm around the pig, slight relief washed over Trinity. But it was short-lived as sparks began to run along its tusks.
“Wes, let go!” she told him. She propelled herself up too fast, catching on a root and collapsing back to her knees. Whether he was stubborn and decided or couldn't hear her over their intense tussle and the pig's squeals, Trinity watched volts course through Wes, his veins bulging, his skin frying all the while he maintained his iron grip and gave the final force to snap the boar's head back. He jumped up briskly and discarded the scorched mechanical arm while she lowered her head and sighed out.
He was on her in a heartbeat almost startling her. “Are you ok?”
She climbed to her feet properly with his help, torn between biting his head off for being an idiot or biting back and being nice. The night had been a lot already for many campers. “I'm good bu-”
Wes didn't let the subject shift on him, or even her eyes really to give him a once over, quickly changing to the next matter at hand. “You need clothes. Wait here.”
Well...he was just lucky it was valid and half important. She slowly folded her arms over her bare chest protectively, the chill of the night hitting her skin and her vulnerable state rising to the surface and priority list once again. He wasn't gone that long but what was realistically seconds felt like some long agonizing minutes drifting by, Trinity standing there alone in the middle of the night half starkers, glancing over her shoulder and every which direction.
He returned handing her some clothes. “Put this on.” Happy to oblige she shimmied out of his boxers to put the new clothes on while he got some cover on his privates back.
“Ok,” he said next. With a moment's thought he carried on, “We need to get you to the infirmary before that gets infected.” Wes had entered boss mode and no-nonsense giving further directions for them and took her hand and led the way without awaiting a reply. Clearly it wasn't up for discussion.
Figuring it to be easiest and in no mood to be hard on Wes after what he did, she obediently let him lead hand in hand. “It's fine,” she said, as if she had been bitten by a boar and treated a hundred times before with no problems. Trinity squeezed on his hand. This night was...a bit beyond a coincidence and now costly. “You know I'd blame Daniel but I don't think he can conjure earthquakes.” Rather than converse and try to make sense of the hectic night, Wes started to slow and released her hand, while Trinity winced slighlty as she wandered a couple steps ahead, thinking she had said the wrong thing and reminded him of his ruined cabin.
“Go... I'll be right behind you.”
She glanced over her shoulder at him, where she could finally see the state he was in, the injury he sustained and the blood seeping down his leg. Trinity's lips tightened before she walked back to his side and ducked under his arm slinging it over her shoulders. Of course a part of her wanted to scold him - now for lying and putting himself second, but that wouldn't be doing anyone any favors. “I'd rather you beside me right now. Plus, we've watched enough horrors to know the rules.”
She walked at whatever limping pace Wes could manage, even if it became just one foot after the other. Trinity kept side glancing at him. “Make sure you tell me if you need to rest.”
Somebody shouted out something abrupt and incoherent but panicked. Trinity snapped her head in that direction to see a demigod and giant snake hot on his heels. “Protect me” echoed in her mind. An instinct came over her and she knew she needed to help...but another pull was to Wes to the point she physically crossed ankles and stumbled in her two mind sets.
Her lips twisted almost like she was in pain, until she succumbed to the demand in her head. “All right, we’re pulling over.” Trinity leant him against a tree. “I'll be right back, I promise.” She couldn't promise him enough. She looked him over one last time, even looking around the camp for some last glint of hope, someone to shield him or transport him. She would tell him to stay but if moving was the right idea during this invasion then by all means, don't stay in the one spot. She gave him a quick kiss and all but tore herself away from him.
She saw the last of the predator’s tail disappear into a cabin and pursued it. Inside, the cabin was tipped upside down and the snake was writhing, for a split second she thought she was too late but...it wasn't devouring, it seemed stuck. She conjured a blade, eyeing its strong body, having to get to the mid section at least. She took one step, heard the snap of wood that she mistook for under her, its wriggling body bumped her foot and, then the snake whipped around quick as lightning, jaws wide open for her. She sidestepped and sliced up at it..at least she should have sliced it but she was off balance and the snake reared up for another strike. The other demigod pierced it, its whole body suddenly changing aim for him, knocking Trinity aside and disarming her as it rushed at the one she needed to protect. Without losing a beat, Trinity picked up her sword and swiped at it, cutting deep but not decapitating. Sick of the to’ing and fro’ing it resulted to hurl a bile of acid at Lochlan and wrapped Trinity up in a blink. It clenched its enormous body and muscles and squeezed tightly, coiling all around her, and it seemed the more she struggled the harder it squeezed. Soon the head reappeared in the cluster of scales and floorboards that she could see. She couldn’t suck in enough air, she couldn’t move her body and she quickly grew on the verge of seeing spots, but the one thing she did was never lose grip on her sword and point it forward…if it took her it was going to swallow some steel as well. It made the final lunge – then she was released with nothing but ash clouded around her. She wheezed, taking in huge and grateful gulps of air. She didn’t feel impact, and her eyes sought out the only other witness to see if it was some trick of the creatures or perhaps he defeated it.
Without a word to him, she got to her feet with a groan that ought to be stifled and left the turned cabin. She left Wes. How could she do that? She was…satisfied in completing her task of protecting Lochlan – it would’ve been impossible not to, but at the same time, he shouldn’t have been prioritized over Wes who was in quite a state. Trinity was confused. Even as Andy's voice rang out from the intercoms, it didn't snap her out of her funk. She heard it all but as background noise. What was she thinking? Wes was the priority.
When she caught up with him, she hugged him, tainted with extra concern as the med hut was ruined. But if all the demigods gathered in the arena, maybe he could get some help with the children of Apollo. She nuzzled into him with furrowed brows. “I don't know what I was doing.” She would never leave Wes...and that's when it hit. They probably had another serpent among them. Trinity huffed out her frustration, putting it aside for now until everyone got better. For now they weren't even sure how many demigods were injured or deceased.
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The nightmare had ended. Andy was grateful for being alive. She was even thankful for the pieces of herself that managed to remain intact. But the tears still welled in her eyes. She was exhausted, the adrenalin was wearing off, and she had yet to see her brother, Trinity or Mason since the chaos vanished. Gods damn Mason for not staying put. She'd kill that stubborn ox when he shows back up if he isn't already dead. Still, deep down, she prayed that he'd show up and save her one last time.
She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, stilling herself to find the strength to get up. Somewhere not far off she heard a gasp and the strange sporadic sound of something getting closer. Andy's eyes snapped open, startled, when Iliana dropped on the ground beside her. "Andy? Is there anything I can get you? I am not well versed in handling injuries, but I want to help."
Andy slowly, and sorely, sat up. "You should be helping yourself and your friend," she replied, nodding towards Nelly. "I'm just tired." While she didn't wish anyone at camp any ill will, she still harbored some sourness toward the daughter of Hermes. She was fully aware her private life was no secret, but hearing someone gossip about it still rubbed her the wrong way.
Luckily, Rae's arrival sidetracked the conversation so Andy didn't have to think of an excuse to refuse help. Ok, that's a lie. She had some injuries that definitely needed addressing, but her focus was on getting to the arena to get everyone what they needed, and finding her friends.
Rae knelt down on the ground beside her. "Andy? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just having a small mental breakdown," Andy answered with a halfhearted chuckle. "Normal things." She was thankful for an excuse to put back up her sarcastic facade. Now wasn't the time to be feeling sorry for herself. She could cry about it later.
"Stupid question, I know. None of us are okay, but at least we are alive." That was the truth of it. Rae smiled as she stood up and offered Andy a hand. "Up, up, Wonder Woman."
Andy nodded her head, before taking Rae's proffered hand and got to her feet, if a bit wobbly. "Thanks," she muttered softly.
Before Rae wandered off toward to take a seat in the stands, she looked back over her shoulder at Andy. "Thanks for the armor, by the way. Good looking out!"
The brunette smiled weakly and nodded her head. "No problem."
At that point campers had started flooding into the colosseum, some sat in the stands, others congregated in small groups, or even laid defeated and exhausted on the ground. With a deep breath and all the focus she could muster, Andy waved her hands at the center of the arena. Over a dozen tents flickered into existence around the perimeter like an old TV coming to life. Each structure had canvas walls and curtain doors that could be closed for privacy. Inside every tent was a pair of cots with a fresh pair of pajamas resting on the pillow, and a stocked first aid cart.
Her gaze drifted over to Iliana and Nelly, whom still remained on the ground. Andy didn't have it in her to help them to their feet, if anything she'd just fall back over under their weight. With the last ounce of power she had in her, she waved her hand at the girls. They levitated off the ground, floated into the first tent and were set gently upon the cots.
Andy's legs felt like jello, drained of whatever energy she had left. Her hand reached out and braced herself against the first thing she could find, which happened to be Nick's shoulder. She blinked a few times before realizing who it was and what she did. "Sorry," she mumbled as she wiped away the blood that began to fall from her nose. "Just give me a moment," she pleaded under her breath for only him to hear.
Once the dizziness had subsided, Andy released her hold on Nick's shoulder with an apologetic smile. "Thanks." She gave his arm a gentle pat, then slowly made her way along the line of tents. Her eyes searched the crowd as she walked, but there still was no sight of Daniel, Trinity or Mason. She continued past several empty tents before finally entering one before she passed out in front of everyone. She'd just have to hope that they would show up, or at least try to get some rest before running out to find them.
Her legs buckled as she lowered herself onto the cot, her muscles unable to support her weight any longer. Finally alone, she let her gaze fall to her left arm. She stared at the blood stained bandages for a long moment, scared to see the state of her arm beneath them. With clenched teeth, she slowly and carefully began unwinding the cloth and peeling it away from her skin. Now that she had the time to look at the wound properly, she counted herself lucky that she still had use of her left hand. Everything below the elbow looked as though it was shoved through a meat grinder.
There was a part of her that wanted to ask for help, but the more stubborn, hard headed, part of her wanted to address it before Mason showed up and chastised her. Andy took a rag from the cart and put in her mouth to bite down on. Then, before she could talk herself out of it, she popped the cap of a bottle of peroxide, and dumped its contents over her tattered arm. The intense stinging made her jaw clench tight as she groaned into the rag.
The nightmare had ended. Andy was grateful for being alive. She was even thankful for the pieces of herself that managed to remain intact. But the tears still welled in her eyes. She was exhausted, the adrenalin was wearing off, and she had yet to see her brother, Trinity or Mason since the chaos vanished. Gods damn Mason for not staying put. She'd kill that stubborn ox when he shows back up if he isn't already dead. Still, deep down, she prayed that he'd show up and save her one last time.
She closed her eyes and let out a sigh, stilling herself to find the strength to get up. Somewhere not far off she heard a gasp and the strange sporadic sound of something getting closer. Andy's eyes snapped open, startled, when Iliana dropped on the ground beside her. "Andy? Is there anything I can get you? I am not well versed in handling injuries, but I want to help."
Andy slowly, and sorely, sat up. "You should be helping yourself and your friend," she replied, nodding towards Nelly. "I'm just tired." While she didn't wish anyone at camp any ill will, she still harbored some sourness toward the daughter of Hermes. She was fully aware her private life was no secret, but hearing someone gossip about it still rubbed her the wrong way.
Luckily, Rae's arrival sidetracked the conversation so Andy didn't have to think of an excuse to refuse help. Ok, that's a lie. She had some injuries that definitely needed addressing, but her focus was on getting to the arena to get everyone what they needed, and finding her friends.
Rae knelt down on the ground beside her. "Andy? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, just having a small mental breakdown," Andy answered with a halfhearted chuckle. "Normal things." She was thankful for an excuse to put back up her sarcastic facade. Now wasn't the time to be feeling sorry for herself. She could cry about it later.
"Stupid question, I know. None of us are okay, but at least we are alive." That was the truth of it. Rae smiled as she stood up and offered Andy a hand. "Up, up, Wonder Woman."
Andy nodded her head, before taking Rae's proffered hand and got to her feet, if a bit wobbly. "Thanks," she muttered softly.
Before Rae wandered off toward to take a seat in the stands, she looked back over her shoulder at Andy. "Thanks for the armor, by the way. Good looking out!"
The brunette smiled weakly and nodded her head. "No problem."
At that point campers had started flooding into the colosseum, some sat in the stands, others congregated in small groups, or even laid defeated and exhausted on the ground. With a deep breath and all the focus she could muster, Andy waved her hands at the center of the arena. Over a dozen tents flickered into existence around the perimeter like an old TV coming to life. Each structure had canvas walls and curtain doors that could be closed for privacy. Inside every tent was a pair of cots with a fresh pair of pajamas resting on the pillow, and a stocked first aid cart.
Her gaze drifted over to Iliana and Nelly, whom still remained on the ground. Andy didn't have it in her to help them to their feet, if anything she'd just fall back over under their weight. With the last ounce of power she had in her, she waved her hand at the girls. They levitated off the ground, floated into the first tent and were set gently upon the cots.
Andy's legs felt like jello, drained of whatever energy she had left. Her hand reached out and braced herself against the first thing she could find, which happened to be Nick's shoulder. She blinked a few times before realizing who it was and what she did. "Sorry," she mumbled as she wiped away the blood that began to fall from her nose. "Just give me a moment," she pleaded under her breath for only him to hear.
Once the dizziness had subsided, Andy released her hold on Nick's shoulder with an apologetic smile. "Thanks." She gave his arm a gentle pat, then slowly made her way along the line of tents. Her eyes searched the crowd as she walked, but there still was no sight of Daniel, Trinity or Mason. She continued past several empty tents before finally entering one before she passed out in front of everyone. She'd just have to hope that they would show up, or at least try to get some rest before running out to find them.
Her legs buckled as she lowered herself onto the cot, her muscles unable to support her weight any longer. Finally alone, she let her gaze fall to her left arm. She stared at the blood stained bandages for a long moment, scared to see the state of her arm beneath them. With clenched teeth, she slowly and carefully began unwinding the cloth and peeling it away from her skin. Now that she had the time to look at the wound properly, she counted herself lucky that she still had use of her left hand. Everything below the elbow looked as though it was shoved through a meat grinder.
There was a part of her that wanted to ask for help, but the more stubborn, hard headed, part of her wanted to address it before Mason showed up and chastised her. Andy took a rag from the cart and put in her mouth to bite down on. Then, before she could talk herself out of it, she popped the cap of a bottle of peroxide, and dumped its contents over her tattered arm. The intense stinging made her jaw clench tight as she groaned into the rag.
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Benjy was content to remain on the ground, motionless, staring up at the sky in disbelief. Honestly, what the hell was his dad thinking sending him to this place? He hadn't even been there a day... less than, and a hoard of monsters, or nightmares, whatever had tried to kill everyone. He knew Apollo said this place was safe, but he was really growing to question his father's sincerity. He sure as hell didn't feel safe. He felt like he was two seconds from being a monster box's dinner.
This time it was the girl's opportunity to aid him, even with a little chuckle in her voice. "Hey there, I’m Veronica, are you ok?"
"Peachy. Fantastic," he groaned throwing his hands up in the air dramatically. Ok, so he was whining. But he had a right to be complaining after just walking into all that bologna. "Benjy," he replied with a huff, not annoyed at her but the situation as a whole. He thought he signed up for normal, boring summer camp. Boy was he wrong.
He had truly forgotten who was in the general area besides the pretty brunette that uncomfortably flirted with him just before he nearly died. But hearing another guy's voice made him turn his head lazily in that direction, so Benjy could, at least, see him from the corner of his eye. "Hey, you feeling better? I need to get Daniel to the infirmary. I am going to get him on this horse here. Why don't you get up on it too? I don't want to leave you alone."
Luckily for everyone, a static voice boomed out over half destroyed speakers, before Benjy could continue complaining. "Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?"
"Scratch that, we're heading for the arena. Let's get going.
Benjy sighed and got to his feet, not accepting Veronica's hand out of fear he might knock her over. She was already using a stick to help her walk, he didn't need to make it worse. While sore, with some puncture wounds, he still did his best to help the guy with the horse get the other unconscious guy on it. He wasn't very strong, but two sets of hands are better than one.
"You’ll be better with just the two of you, I’d be afraid I’d fall off or all of us could. Daniel could do with getting back sooner anyway. I’ll just walk back with them, thanks."
He half glanced around at whomever might still be lingering with them. Benjy had lost track of a lot of things and he still had no idea where in the camp he was. When Veronica made her way back over to him, he reached out and took her walking stick, tossing it aside. "Make you a deal," he began as he took her now free arm and draped it across his shoulders. "I'll help you walk if you help me find this arena?"
Benjy didn't wait for an answer. He figured using him as a crutch was better than leaning on a stick for support. He cleared his throat, trying his best not to act too awkward as his arm wrapped around her waist. He was still a little put off from when she came onto him a lot more aggressively than he was used to... but she was pretty. Like really pretty. He couldn't help but want to be near her, inhaling her strangely sweet scent, and getting to touch her... Consensually, not in a creepy way or anything. He blinked his eyes a couple times trying to shake off the dewy eyed school girl crap that buzzed in his head.
They made their way slowly toward the arena, being sure to stop whenever Veronica needed a break. While Benjy had his own wounds, he could already feel some of them slowly starting to close. If only he had figured out how to heal other people. Maybe he could finally learn how at camp, as long as he wasn't killed by monsters beforehand.
When they finally reached the arena, Benjy was surprised at how many campers there were. He wasn't sure if he was expecting more or less, but this wasn't the number he imagined. After getting a good look at all of them he seemed to be one of the luckier ones. They all looked like death, bloodied, bruised and beaten. He lead Veronica over to one of the newly conjured tents and helped her get comfortable before taking his arm back. "I uh... need to help, somehow," he said a bit anxiously while jabbing his thumb over his shoulder, motioning toward the rest of the campers. "Just try and rest."
Benjy took a couple steps backwards toward the entrance of the tent. He needed to find Cherise and anyone else who could heal, or knew field medicine. For a son of Apollo he was pretty disappointing in that regard. He spun around just as he exited only to immediately collide with a redhead. He gasped, hands fumbling around in the air like the wings of a baby bird. He managed to grab hold of the girls arms, steadying himself and her before they fell over like a pair of dominos. "Shit! Sorry. Sorry. Are you ok?" His eyes scanned her making sure he didn't do any permanent damage. Then he realized he was still holding her upper arms in hands. "Uh, sorry." He cleared his throat, releasing his hold on her, and held up his hands innocently.
Benjy was content to remain on the ground, motionless, staring up at the sky in disbelief. Honestly, what the hell was his dad thinking sending him to this place? He hadn't even been there a day... less than, and a hoard of monsters, or nightmares, whatever had tried to kill everyone. He knew Apollo said this place was safe, but he was really growing to question his father's sincerity. He sure as hell didn't feel safe. He felt like he was two seconds from being a monster box's dinner.
This time it was the girl's opportunity to aid him, even with a little chuckle in her voice. "Hey there, I’m Veronica, are you ok?"
"Peachy. Fantastic," he groaned throwing his hands up in the air dramatically. Ok, so he was whining. But he had a right to be complaining after just walking into all that bologna. "Benjy," he replied with a huff, not annoyed at her but the situation as a whole. He thought he signed up for normal, boring summer camp. Boy was he wrong.
He had truly forgotten who was in the general area besides the pretty brunette that uncomfortably flirted with him just before he nearly died. But hearing another guy's voice made him turn his head lazily in that direction, so Benjy could, at least, see him from the corner of his eye. "Hey, you feeling better? I need to get Daniel to the infirmary. I am going to get him on this horse here. Why don't you get up on it too? I don't want to leave you alone."
Luckily for everyone, a static voice boomed out over half destroyed speakers, before Benjy could continue complaining. "Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?"
"Scratch that, we're heading for the arena. Let's get going.
Benjy sighed and got to his feet, not accepting Veronica's hand out of fear he might knock her over. She was already using a stick to help her walk, he didn't need to make it worse. While sore, with some puncture wounds, he still did his best to help the guy with the horse get the other unconscious guy on it. He wasn't very strong, but two sets of hands are better than one.
"You’ll be better with just the two of you, I’d be afraid I’d fall off or all of us could. Daniel could do with getting back sooner anyway. I’ll just walk back with them, thanks."
He half glanced around at whomever might still be lingering with them. Benjy had lost track of a lot of things and he still had no idea where in the camp he was. When Veronica made her way back over to him, he reached out and took her walking stick, tossing it aside. "Make you a deal," he began as he took her now free arm and draped it across his shoulders. "I'll help you walk if you help me find this arena?"
Benjy didn't wait for an answer. He figured using him as a crutch was better than leaning on a stick for support. He cleared his throat, trying his best not to act too awkward as his arm wrapped around her waist. He was still a little put off from when she came onto him a lot more aggressively than he was used to... but she was pretty. Like really pretty. He couldn't help but want to be near her, inhaling her strangely sweet scent, and getting to touch her... Consensually, not in a creepy way or anything. He blinked his eyes a couple times trying to shake off the dewy eyed school girl crap that buzzed in his head.
They made their way slowly toward the arena, being sure to stop whenever Veronica needed a break. While Benjy had his own wounds, he could already feel some of them slowly starting to close. If only he had figured out how to heal other people. Maybe he could finally learn how at camp, as long as he wasn't killed by monsters beforehand.
When they finally reached the arena, Benjy was surprised at how many campers there were. He wasn't sure if he was expecting more or less, but this wasn't the number he imagined. After getting a good look at all of them he seemed to be one of the luckier ones. They all looked like death, bloodied, bruised and beaten. He lead Veronica over to one of the newly conjured tents and helped her get comfortable before taking his arm back. "I uh... need to help, somehow," he said a bit anxiously while jabbing his thumb over his shoulder, motioning toward the rest of the campers. "Just try and rest."
Benjy took a couple steps backwards toward the entrance of the tent. He needed to find Cherise and anyone else who could heal, or knew field medicine. For a son of Apollo he was pretty disappointing in that regard. He spun around just as he exited only to immediately collide with a redhead. He gasped, hands fumbling around in the air like the wings of a baby bird. He managed to grab hold of the girls arms, steadying himself and her before they fell over like a pair of dominos. "Shit! Sorry. Sorry. Are you ok?" His eyes scanned her making sure he didn't do any permanent damage. Then he realized he was still holding her upper arms in hands. "Uh, sorry." He cleared his throat, releasing his hold on her, and held up his hands innocently.
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Shortly after they all untangled themselves from each other, Andy's voice echoed throughout camp. By the sound of her voice, others had survived. Blair hardly knew most of the people at camp, but knowing others were safe meant that it was likely her brother was alive as well... She hoped.
While the announcement played, Blair stepped over to Duke and offered him a hand up since Nick seemed only bothered to aid the girls. Once the P.A. system shut off Nick finally spoke up, answering her question. "Not sure. All I know is that we are going to get the fuck out of here and stay together."
Blair still wasn't the biggest fan of Nick after the night before, but even she couldn't argue with his sentiment. It may have seemed like everything had died down, but it would still be stupid for the four of them to split up before reaching the arena. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to shield herself the cool breeze as much as possible as they started walking. She wasn't up for much conversation, surprisingly, and the others were just as quiet. Nothing any of them could say would make the situation better, and all Blair wanted was to find her brother.
The entirety of the walk, Blair looked back and forth hoping to catch a glimpse of Lochlan making his way towards the arena. But the small group arrived without running into anyone else besides an exhausted Andy having a breakdown just outside the entrance. She let Rae handle that while she hurried into the arena.
Her eyes darted around but still no sign of him. She walked up and down the stands, double and triple checking for her brother. It wasn't until she passed by everyone a forth time and there were now tents that Blair finally stopped pacing and took a seat in the stands. Her leg bounced anxiously as her gaze was glued on the entrance. Every time a new camper entered she'd raise her head hopefully, only to make the pit in her stomach grow when it wasn't Lochlan.
Shortly after they all untangled themselves from each other, Andy's voice echoed throughout camp. By the sound of her voice, others had survived. Blair hardly knew most of the people at camp, but knowing others were safe meant that it was likely her brother was alive as well... She hoped.
While the announcement played, Blair stepped over to Duke and offered him a hand up since Nick seemed only bothered to aid the girls. Once the P.A. system shut off Nick finally spoke up, answering her question. "Not sure. All I know is that we are going to get the fuck out of here and stay together."
Blair still wasn't the biggest fan of Nick after the night before, but even she couldn't argue with his sentiment. It may have seemed like everything had died down, but it would still be stupid for the four of them to split up before reaching the arena. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to shield herself the cool breeze as much as possible as they started walking. She wasn't up for much conversation, surprisingly, and the others were just as quiet. Nothing any of them could say would make the situation better, and all Blair wanted was to find her brother.
The entirety of the walk, Blair looked back and forth hoping to catch a glimpse of Lochlan making his way towards the arena. But the small group arrived without running into anyone else besides an exhausted Andy having a breakdown just outside the entrance. She let Rae handle that while she hurried into the arena.
Her eyes darted around but still no sign of him. She walked up and down the stands, double and triple checking for her brother. It wasn't until she passed by everyone a forth time and there were now tents that Blair finally stopped pacing and took a seat in the stands. Her leg bounced anxiously as her gaze was glued on the entrance. Every time a new camper entered she'd raise her head hopefully, only to make the pit in her stomach grow when it wasn't Lochlan.
xxxxxxHadesx|x[url]outfit[/url]x|x#05105E
He coughed in the debris and saw everyone had since abandoned the infirmary. Not a squeal or groan or superman or woman in sight to protest or help. Mason sat up with more effort than he cared for. If it wasn't for his armor he was sure he'd have the pleasure of experiencing some broken bones again. Before he could get any orientation, the ugly beast landed over him, hiked him up skyward again and dropped him unexpectedly in the middle of the woods. He landed with a thud, face first in the dirt. Mason expected a weight to follow him, claws or teeth to puncture him or some pain but the beast didn’t pursue him and as he reluctantly rolled over to face the tall trees and night sky, nothing was there, not even the beat of flapping wings.
Mason sighed out. The beast was gone and the camp met an odd quiet of no more war cries, clash of steel or battle orders or destruction. He closed his eyes. It was distant and barely audible but something, a mechanical screech pierced the silence and a woman's voice...Andy's voice came over the speakers. He couldn't understand her but the tone was familiar and before he could attune himself to her words something wicked twisted at Mason’s insides like he didn’t belong in his own body and he was about to implode. He burned up fiercely but his fever was the least of his worries as his insides kept turning on him and he yelled into the secluded night as his ribs began to snap again only this was excruciatingly prolonged. Mason grit his teeth as his body fought magic. One thing was inevitable, he was alone and its not like he was the type people formed a search party for and that was actually the kicker...that he'd go through this unbearable torture alone.
Something strong grabbed hold of his armor and began to haul him through the woods. Mason swiped half-heartedly at it, too preoccupied in pain turning in on himself to care about wherever he was being taken. Maybe being eaten at this stage would be mercy. He didn't realize where it was taking him until it released him, dumping Mason near the back of the arena which was illuminated with torches and lamps and faint chatter of other demigods. As Mason squinted up at the figure, the bull head looked at the arena and grunted in gesture. Confused and a little tentative, Mason got one thing at least, the minotaur just saved his ass. "Thank you." He would blame it on blood loss and hallucination, except it was real. It even bowed its huge head and dipped its horns under his arms and forced him to his feet then nudged him along the wall impatient with his progress and reluctance to move.
Mason batted a hand back at it and shooed it away, keeping a hand braced on the wall. "Okay, okay! Just go before someone makes you a stuffing." Like a good giant minotaur, it turned and walked away, disappearing into the woodline again or shadows...either or. Mason sighed out and drifted along the wall, until the opening of the arena. He was actually partially relieved to see the tents and people drifting about because that meant maybe...just maybe...someone might help him and he might get a break. Mason kept leaning on the wall forcing himself a few more faltering steps forward.
A demigod brushed by and Mason grabbed their arm. "Andy?" They pointed and a surge of adrenaline, fueled not by need or survival but anger, sent him hobbling into the tent she apparently occupied.
She was tending her own wounds and was pretty beaten up but Mason didn't feel sympathy for her. If she didn't hide him and throw herself at every hostile thing, she wouldn't be in such bad shape. His nostrils flared as he cradled his ribs. "You take me off the playing board again, I'll kill you myself." Harsh as it may have been, he bit back on the knee-jerking tourettes words that wanted to spill out of his mouth. eg. "bitch, idiot."
Mason stepped up to her fists clenched. He grabbed the back of her neck and kissed her firmly before tendering up. He was furious with her but unfortunately he also worried for her and was relieved she was okay. Relatively anyway. He sunk to his knees by her cot with a groan as another burst of pain came over him, making him double over.
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"It's fine," Evelyn spoke up after he took a step back. "It's hardly the worst feeling of today." She wasn't wrong. He had seen her wounds, not to mention the ones he had himself... But he still said nothing, drowning in his own thoughts but voicing none of them.
"But Sylas..." She began, attempting to look up into his eyes. Fortunately a voice rang out over the speakers throughout camp, cutting off whatever she might have had to say.
Once the announcement shut off, Evelyn sighed, ready to resume the conversation. "You don't owe me an apology." Sylas's brow quirked slightly, but he didn't shift his gaze from the ground. It was easier to be mad at her when he didn't look at her. Everything about her challenged who he thought he was and how he acted... And at that moment he wanted his anger to win, rather than letting himself give in to her wiles... again.
"I left you. I—" Yes, you did. His jaw clenched slightly, but he didn't move and remained silent. "I'm the one that should be sorry, and I am. I truly am. I made a poor and costly judgement. I shouldn't have left you. I should have stayed by your side instead, I did you a great misdeed."
That was a new experience that Sylas wasn't accustomed to. He couldn't recall the last time someone had apologized to him and genuinely meant it. Generally, people were simply sorry to have ever involved themselves in his life, or perhaps sorry for crossing him. But there was a pleading in those apologies, not necessarily for his forgiveness but for him to take pity on them. This... This was different. Sylas did something he never does and put himself on the line for someone else, and after promising to keep her safe she spurned him. That was a wound that was new to him.
Sylas wasn't sure how to react to her words. On one hand there was humility in apologizing and admitting she was wrong. But since when had he cared about humility? He fought a gladiator, held back its blade with his bare hands, and yet she ran off at the next sight of danger. He was angry, betrayed, and perhaps even the faintest piece of him had a tiny inclination to understand what he did to others. There was a reason why he never opened himself up to others, or showed anyone who he really was. People were disappointing and deceitful. But for some reason it stung more when it was Evelyn.
While he expected Evelyn to want to make her way to the arena, she didn't move in that direction. Rather, she took a few steps toward him. With the first step Sylas didn't react, but as she got closer he couldn't help but glance up at her from beneath his brow. Her body language said she wanted to be closer and there was a subconscious part of him that yearned to pull her close. There was something about her that melted his rough edges. He hated it.
Before she could say or do anything else that could soften his resolve, Sylas cleared his throat as his hands slipped into his pockets. "We should get to the arena so you can get that looked at." He vaguely nodded toward her abdomen, before turning and heading in the direct of the arena.
He said nothing for the entirety of the walk. Sylas's body language never showed any hint of concern if she joined him or not. And while he might not have looked over his shoulder to make sure she followed, he was constantly on alert listening for Evelyn's footsteps trailing behind.
When they arrived, it looked like the majority of camp had already made their way to the colosseum. Sylas didn't stop, or look around for anyone to check on or socialize with. He doubted any of them cared if was alive, aside from Liv, perhaps. But he could speak with her later.
Sylas made his way toward one of the empty tents and for a brief moment he lingered in the entrance. He wanted to look back over his shoulder and see where Evelyn went, or perhaps catch a glimpse of her facial expression. His head even twitched, threatening to take a look. But he caught himself before he slipped and went inside the tent.
He sighed softly, looking over the medical cart. Honestly, Sylas didn't know much about first aid, but he was also far too stubborn to ask for help. He unzipped his track jacket and peeled the wet fabric off. Several bruises were already forming on his torso making him look like a sickly dalmatian. The cut across his abdomen didn't appear to be too terribly bad. It had stopped bleeding, and while it might need some stitches, Sylas wasn't dumb enough to attempt that. He did his best to clean it, put some kind of ointment on it and a bandage. Good enough.
The worst part was his hands. Sylas hadn't realized he had been subconsciously avoiding looking at them. While the adrenalin had helped him ignore the pain to survive, now that everything had calmed down he struggled to use them. Both palms had deep gashes from the gladiator's blade. He couldn't tell by looking at them, but whenever he flexed his fingers it felt like something, a muscle or ligament was torn and straining. The skin up to his elbows was red, covered in blisters and splintering scorch marks. And even the tips of his fingers were singed black.
It seemed now that Sylas focused on them the less he could use them. He attempted to bandage them several times only to drop whatever he was holding shortly after he started. "Fuck!" he cursed under his breath and kicked the roll of bandages under the other cot in frustration.
"It's fine," Evelyn spoke up after he took a step back. "It's hardly the worst feeling of today." She wasn't wrong. He had seen her wounds, not to mention the ones he had himself... But he still said nothing, drowning in his own thoughts but voicing none of them.
"But Sylas..." She began, attempting to look up into his eyes. Fortunately a voice rang out over the speakers throughout camp, cutting off whatever she might have had to say.
Once the announcement shut off, Evelyn sighed, ready to resume the conversation. "You don't owe me an apology." Sylas's brow quirked slightly, but he didn't shift his gaze from the ground. It was easier to be mad at her when he didn't look at her. Everything about her challenged who he thought he was and how he acted... And at that moment he wanted his anger to win, rather than letting himself give in to her wiles... again.
"I left you. I—" Yes, you did. His jaw clenched slightly, but he didn't move and remained silent. "I'm the one that should be sorry, and I am. I truly am. I made a poor and costly judgement. I shouldn't have left you. I should have stayed by your side instead, I did you a great misdeed."
That was a new experience that Sylas wasn't accustomed to. He couldn't recall the last time someone had apologized to him and genuinely meant it. Generally, people were simply sorry to have ever involved themselves in his life, or perhaps sorry for crossing him. But there was a pleading in those apologies, not necessarily for his forgiveness but for him to take pity on them. This... This was different. Sylas did something he never does and put himself on the line for someone else, and after promising to keep her safe she spurned him. That was a wound that was new to him.
Sylas wasn't sure how to react to her words. On one hand there was humility in apologizing and admitting she was wrong. But since when had he cared about humility? He fought a gladiator, held back its blade with his bare hands, and yet she ran off at the next sight of danger. He was angry, betrayed, and perhaps even the faintest piece of him had a tiny inclination to understand what he did to others. There was a reason why he never opened himself up to others, or showed anyone who he really was. People were disappointing and deceitful. But for some reason it stung more when it was Evelyn.
While he expected Evelyn to want to make her way to the arena, she didn't move in that direction. Rather, she took a few steps toward him. With the first step Sylas didn't react, but as she got closer he couldn't help but glance up at her from beneath his brow. Her body language said she wanted to be closer and there was a subconscious part of him that yearned to pull her close. There was something about her that melted his rough edges. He hated it.
Before she could say or do anything else that could soften his resolve, Sylas cleared his throat as his hands slipped into his pockets. "We should get to the arena so you can get that looked at." He vaguely nodded toward her abdomen, before turning and heading in the direct of the arena.
He said nothing for the entirety of the walk. Sylas's body language never showed any hint of concern if she joined him or not. And while he might not have looked over his shoulder to make sure she followed, he was constantly on alert listening for Evelyn's footsteps trailing behind.
When they arrived, it looked like the majority of camp had already made their way to the colosseum. Sylas didn't stop, or look around for anyone to check on or socialize with. He doubted any of them cared if was alive, aside from Liv, perhaps. But he could speak with her later.
Sylas made his way toward one of the empty tents and for a brief moment he lingered in the entrance. He wanted to look back over his shoulder and see where Evelyn went, or perhaps catch a glimpse of her facial expression. His head even twitched, threatening to take a look. But he caught himself before he slipped and went inside the tent.
He sighed softly, looking over the medical cart. Honestly, Sylas didn't know much about first aid, but he was also far too stubborn to ask for help. He unzipped his track jacket and peeled the wet fabric off. Several bruises were already forming on his torso making him look like a sickly dalmatian. The cut across his abdomen didn't appear to be too terribly bad. It had stopped bleeding, and while it might need some stitches, Sylas wasn't dumb enough to attempt that. He did his best to clean it, put some kind of ointment on it and a bandage. Good enough.
The worst part was his hands. Sylas hadn't realized he had been subconsciously avoiding looking at them. While the adrenalin had helped him ignore the pain to survive, now that everything had calmed down he struggled to use them. Both palms had deep gashes from the gladiator's blade. He couldn't tell by looking at them, but whenever he flexed his fingers it felt like something, a muscle or ligament was torn and straining. The skin up to his elbows was red, covered in blisters and splintering scorch marks. And even the tips of his fingers were singed black.
It seemed now that Sylas focused on them the less he could use them. He attempted to bandage them several times only to drop whatever he was holding shortly after he started. "Fuck!" he cursed under his breath and kicked the roll of bandages under the other cot in frustration.
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Of course Trinity couldn't have done what Wes said for once in her life. Stubborn ass woman. She came back to him, ducking under his arm so he could rest it across her shoulders. "I'd rather you beside me right now. Plus, we've watched enough horrors to know the rules." He wanted to argue with her, but if he died he imagined she would raze the Underworld to get him back. He didn't want her leading a suicidal crusade on his behalf. And while he wanted her to go get medical help, he had to try and understand that she wanted the same for him... As much as he wanted her to save herself.
"I had a feeling you'd say that," Wes joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Make sure you tell me if you need to rest." He nodded his head, but said nothing. He was already out of breath and struggling to keep up. He knew if he tried to say something that Trinity would see right through his facade. He had to be strong... for her. Wes remembered what her trial did to her, he wouldn't do that to her if he could help it.
Someone shouted not far off into the woods. His head turned to see Lochlan being chased by a snake, and for the first time at camp Wes didn't feel the urge to blindly run in there and help. While the demigod could die, he also flirted with Trinity, so would camp really be worse off without him? That may have been a bit much, but Wes was also in no shape to be helping anyone, let alone some asshole that stirred shit for fun.
Wes thought that was the end of it and they'd both continue on, then Trinity brought them to a halt. "All right, we’re pulling over."
"What?!" Wes scolded as she leaned him against a tree.
"I'll be right back, I promise." Trinity gave him a quick kiss then ran off after the snake.
"Trinity, he's not worth it!" Wes shouted after her. He pushed off the tree and tried to limp towards the cabin she disappeared into. He only made it a few steps before his leg buckled and he crumpled to the ground with a painful groan. "Gods damn it!" He slammed his fist on the ground in frustration.
Wes took a couple deep breaths mustering up the strength to try and get back to his feet. He cursed himself for chucking his mechanical arm. He only crippled himself further. He clenched his jaw and pushed off the ground, but instead of his body rising, his hand slowly began to sink into the ground. "What the—" Pulling with all his might, he managed to pry his hand free. But during the struggle his knees were enveloped by the earth beneath them.
Quicksand? "Is this Indiana Jones?" He huffed to himself as his gaze scanned the surrounding area trying to find anything he could use to get himself free. He tried reaching for a branch with his mechanical arm, only to then remember it was discarded somewhere in the woods. "Shit!"
He reached out for the branch again. Wes's entire torso tensed and trembled as he used all his core strength to lean forward without falling into the quicksand. He barely managed to grab the branch, nearly falling face first into the muck. Luckily, a vine hung from another nearby tree. It took several swipes of the branch before he could get it free and pulled towards him. But by the time he got his hand on the vine, he was already waist deep and sinking faster.
Wes wrapped his arm up in the vine, getting as tight of a grip as he could. He pulled with all his might, only managing to lift himself up by an inch or two. He didn't have time to brace himself or try something else. He took a deep breath and tried again. This time he got a bit farther... then the vine snapped. The loss in support caused him to fall over, his entire right side landing in the quicksand. Desperate, his hand tried to dig himself free but it only made him sink faster. Wes took in one final deep breath before his entire body was swallowed.
It was cold, wet and dark. Wes imagined that was what it felt like to be buried in concrete. He couldn't move. He felt weightless like he was suspended in a vast void. He held his breath for as long as he could, hoping and praying that somehow Trinity would find him and think of a way to get him out. But it was getting harder not to try and gasp for air. When he couldn't fight it any longer, the ground regurgitated him, spitting him out like a rotten piece of food. Wes was tossed a few feet above the ground, then landed on the solid earth with a thud. He gasped and coughed for air, rolling over onto his side.
Everything in the camp seemed to grow silent before a static filled the air and Andy's voice rung throughout camp. "Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?" Thank the Gods it was over.
Not a moment later, Trinity returned, wrapping him in her arms. Her face nuzzled into him like she was scared that she'd lose him if she didn't hold tight enough. "I don't know what I was doing."
Wes hadn't thought much about it, but he couldn't help but wonder if there was someone else at camp like Eve... Someone who could manipulate those around them. "Yeah... I was content letting him get eaten," he admitted with a weak laugh as he tried his best to return the hug.
With Trinity there to help, Wes accepted her help to try and get to his feet. But as he sat up, his head started to spin. Between the quicksand and the blood loss, he was lightheaded. Sparkles and spots started dancing in his vision. "Son of a—" He mumbled. His eyes rolled back in his head as he fell over like a domino.
Of course Trinity couldn't have done what Wes said for once in her life. Stubborn ass woman. She came back to him, ducking under his arm so he could rest it across her shoulders. "I'd rather you beside me right now. Plus, we've watched enough horrors to know the rules." He wanted to argue with her, but if he died he imagined she would raze the Underworld to get him back. He didn't want her leading a suicidal crusade on his behalf. And while he wanted her to go get medical help, he had to try and understand that she wanted the same for him... As much as he wanted her to save herself.
"I had a feeling you'd say that," Wes joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Make sure you tell me if you need to rest." He nodded his head, but said nothing. He was already out of breath and struggling to keep up. He knew if he tried to say something that Trinity would see right through his facade. He had to be strong... for her. Wes remembered what her trial did to her, he wouldn't do that to her if he could help it.
Someone shouted not far off into the woods. His head turned to see Lochlan being chased by a snake, and for the first time at camp Wes didn't feel the urge to blindly run in there and help. While the demigod could die, he also flirted with Trinity, so would camp really be worse off without him? That may have been a bit much, but Wes was also in no shape to be helping anyone, let alone some asshole that stirred shit for fun.
Wes thought that was the end of it and they'd both continue on, then Trinity brought them to a halt. "All right, we’re pulling over."
"What?!" Wes scolded as she leaned him against a tree.
"I'll be right back, I promise." Trinity gave him a quick kiss then ran off after the snake.
"Trinity, he's not worth it!" Wes shouted after her. He pushed off the tree and tried to limp towards the cabin she disappeared into. He only made it a few steps before his leg buckled and he crumpled to the ground with a painful groan. "Gods damn it!" He slammed his fist on the ground in frustration.
Wes took a couple deep breaths mustering up the strength to try and get back to his feet. He cursed himself for chucking his mechanical arm. He only crippled himself further. He clenched his jaw and pushed off the ground, but instead of his body rising, his hand slowly began to sink into the ground. "What the—" Pulling with all his might, he managed to pry his hand free. But during the struggle his knees were enveloped by the earth beneath them.
Quicksand? "Is this Indiana Jones?" He huffed to himself as his gaze scanned the surrounding area trying to find anything he could use to get himself free. He tried reaching for a branch with his mechanical arm, only to then remember it was discarded somewhere in the woods. "Shit!"
He reached out for the branch again. Wes's entire torso tensed and trembled as he used all his core strength to lean forward without falling into the quicksand. He barely managed to grab the branch, nearly falling face first into the muck. Luckily, a vine hung from another nearby tree. It took several swipes of the branch before he could get it free and pulled towards him. But by the time he got his hand on the vine, he was already waist deep and sinking faster.
Wes wrapped his arm up in the vine, getting as tight of a grip as he could. He pulled with all his might, only managing to lift himself up by an inch or two. He didn't have time to brace himself or try something else. He took a deep breath and tried again. This time he got a bit farther... then the vine snapped. The loss in support caused him to fall over, his entire right side landing in the quicksand. Desperate, his hand tried to dig himself free but it only made him sink faster. Wes took in one final deep breath before his entire body was swallowed.
It was cold, wet and dark. Wes imagined that was what it felt like to be buried in concrete. He couldn't move. He felt weightless like he was suspended in a vast void. He held his breath for as long as he could, hoping and praying that somehow Trinity would find him and think of a way to get him out. But it was getting harder not to try and gasp for air. When he couldn't fight it any longer, the ground regurgitated him, spitting him out like a rotten piece of food. Wes was tossed a few feet above the ground, then landed on the solid earth with a thud. He gasped and coughed for air, rolling over onto his side.
Everything in the camp seemed to grow silent before a static filled the air and Andy's voice rung throughout camp. "Uh... Hey everyone, it's Andy. It looks like whatever was going on has stopped. Most of camp seems to be in ruins and I know a lot of us need medical attention. The arena appears to be mostly intact. We should regroup there to rest and get a head count. After some much needed rest, my brother and I will work on repairing cabins and cleaning up camp. Uh... Bye? Over?" Thank the Gods it was over.
Not a moment later, Trinity returned, wrapping him in her arms. Her face nuzzled into him like she was scared that she'd lose him if she didn't hold tight enough. "I don't know what I was doing."
Wes hadn't thought much about it, but he couldn't help but wonder if there was someone else at camp like Eve... Someone who could manipulate those around them. "Yeah... I was content letting him get eaten," he admitted with a weak laugh as he tried his best to return the hug.
With Trinity there to help, Wes accepted her help to try and get to his feet. But as he sat up, his head started to spin. Between the quicksand and the blood loss, he was lightheaded. Sparkles and spots started dancing in his vision. "Son of a—" He mumbled. His eyes rolled back in his head as he fell over like a domino.
xxxxxxHephaestusx|xoutfitx|x#780707
Hardly able to score a break or even a clear mind, at first getting seduced and almost succumbed by forest nymphs, some more aggressive nature' tendrils grabbed him next and yanked him back. The vines clamped around him securely, assuring he couldn't pry free or make an escape, the vines so thick and sturdy he couldn't even call upon fire or heat to penetrate them as it pulled him to the centrepiece of power. A Leshen. An otherwise fascinating creature with great power, he might've admired if it didn't have Duke and the others, he quickly came to realize, in its grasp. But it lost some speed and focus on Duke as the vines slowed crawling up his face thankfully.
Blair made an order and with what reach he could offer, he touched the others and they all crumpled to the ground. But the Leshen was hardly a fan of being outsmarted and outmaneuvered. Duke merely opened his palm before some vines snapped them up straight away and wrapped around him again, hoisting him up. It quickly secured Nick and Rae too. He watched it grab Blair to face height and screech at her. It seemed the more he struggled the tighter it coiled around him to suffocate him, and he wondered briefly how the others fared against such a force before the simple need to breathe consumed him and his vision got littered with spots.
Duke was just conscious enough to feel it drop them in a heap with an extra little thud on top of him. He braced a hand carefully on the weight on top of him, in case she missed there was a person under her. "What happened?" Nick got his bearings first and started helping the others up which in turn led to Blair helping him up as Andys announcement came through. He nodded his thanks to her and dusted himself off for whatever good it was worth. Duke didn't have any specific answers and it appeared neither did Andy but she offered a decent solution to the aftermath.
"Not sure. All I know is that we are going to get the fuck out of here and stay together." He doubted anyone needed to be told but he supposed it didn't hurt to be said in case anyone was feeling deluded.
The trudge to the arena was silent. Not that anyone could be blamed and not that it didn't suit him but he expected theories, hopes, remarks on how truly warped this place was. It painted itself as a haven to grow and evolve as a demi being - at least that's the pitch he got, not be infiltrated commonly by monsters and disasters and be forced to fight for your life.
They only parted once they reached the arena. Duke paused as Rae drifted to a downed Andy, Nick wandered about, helping here and there and Blair turned into a meerkat searching for something...someone. He frowned watching her anxiety grow and hope die. He had half a mind to let her be. She'd find out if whoever it was made it or not soon enough plus she was independent and smart..and now wound up so he'd likely get his head bit off for talking to her...but it was like watching someone suffer. Duke approached her against most factors saying not to. "Can I help?" And like that, it was too late. Duke cringed slightly for setting his foot in it but pretty quickly looked at her with his normal brood if not slightly tinted with concern.
xxxxxxHerax|xoutfitx|x#380011
It worked. Whether it was his general hollering for help or his powers, it worked and thank god it did because the snake's force combined with its acid was gradually yet surely breaking the chair lodged in its daunting mouth. The monster spun so abruptly for the other demigod its oversized body shoved Lochlan against the kitchen counter and knocked over, otherwise crushed chairs and tables that sufficed for a dining room that got in the way. The thing was ruthless and before it could make a quick meal of his saviour, Lochlan grasped a broken leg chair nearby and plunged it into the beast's scaly skin. He lifted his makeshift weapon for another strike but the glorified reptile was quick to rebut. The snake's body pushed up against him making him fall and his eyes widened at the brief glimpse of double his sized massive jaws and fangs propelling towards him.
He tried to scoot backward but there was nowhere to go with the counter at his back.
Spared a grim fate again, the creature didn't devour him. It hissed and rattled as Trinity hacked into it in one swipe stopping its momentum. In the quickest moment, time seemed to actually still like the snake was contemplating something. Then the cabin burst into action all at once, breaking out speeds of 0-100. Green acid hurled from the snakes mouth at Lochlan. He scurried out the way, clearing most of it but droplets splashed his back and started to sting vaguely then rapidly grew to a mighty burn. He arched his back on all fours "Argh!"
Through his pain, he saw the blonde all coiled up and the snake's head lower to her to begin the digestion. Lochlan crawled forward unarmed, unprepared, not knowing what was coming over him or what he was going to do. It struck forward,"No!" Lochlan held out an arm as its gaping jaw went over steel, then it turned to ash around her. Harmless...ash.
Her eyes sought him out questioning what happened, the two as clueless as each other in truth but Lochlan managed to summon a nod. Why and how it happened he didn't know, but they were safe for the moment and that was something. She didn't have any words for him, instead she got up with a groan, rising to her feet and that moment of safety left Lochlan. But rather than hostile she was mainly confused, like coming out of a certain trance. "Thank you," he said to her while she left the building.
Lochlan breathed a sigh of relief and used the wall for a brace to get up slowly. He used what sturdy and in tact objects he could to manoeuvre out of the cabin in time for the PA to reach him. Lochlan still gave a last glance back into the cabin as if confirming it was over for himself. Satisfied, he resumed the awkward leg and back on fire walk to the arena. Along the way, he found a passed out Wes and frazzled Trinity. He wanted to keep slowly making his way to the arena for someone to fix him but after what she did for him…It might’ve been better to insure things past his powers. Besides, he really was grateful. Forgetting what her spawn were entirely capable of strength wise, Lochlan approached. "You need a hand carrying him?"
He winced as a painful reminder shot up his leg, unsure how he was going to carry or brace someone else’s weight when he could barely do his own. But, he owed her something. "Look we’re heading in same direction anyway."
He tried to make himself as helpful as possible, only with her consent on how to transport the other male if at all. Otherwise, he just travelled alongside them. The threats of the night were over…supposedly…but after tonight...numbers seemed to be the best way to travel.
In the arena bodies already bustled about with tents lined up. There he saw how much hell other’s nights had been which oddly brought him comfort in a way. And if everyone was meeting here, it meant he’d likely see his sister here too. Lochlan looked at the conscious blonde. "You two okay from here? " He hoped so because he was itching to look for Blair.
Before he was gone with the wind or…imagined that’s how fast he wanted to take off. "Thank you," he said once more and sought her eyes. "Really, thank you. "
Then he looked for his sister. He was busy scanning the crowds before his eyes drifted to the stands then Lochlan eventually saw her there with a guy but of course she had to be in the most painful place. Lochlan sighed out his nose. He was so not going to her, she could come to him. He waved a hand in the air in hopes of gaining her attention then gestured for her to come down.
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Andy watched as the peroxide washed away blood, dirt and whatever else had found its way into the mess that was her arm. She spit the cloth out of her mouth when the stinging subsided and the fluid stopped bubbling. As she grabbed a clean rag and started dabbing at her arm, someone stubbled in through the canvas entrance. She looked up, ready to tell whomever it was that the tent was occupied, but froze when she saw it was Mason.
"Mason..." she said barely above a whisper. Andy was thankful he was alive. So thankful that she had all but forgotten the reason she was mad at him in the first place. That was... until he spoke.
"You take me off the playing board again, I'll kill you myself." There was no joking or sarcasm in his tone. Mason looked pissed and like he meant every word, nostrils flared and hands clenched. He then had the audacity to come toward her and grab her neck like he was going to kiss her.
Andy sat there in a stunned silence until his hands were on her. As he pulled her in, she pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him away, indifferent of his injuries as he was of hers. "How dare you talk to me like that!" She stood up, trying to put as much space between the two of them as she could within the small confines of the tent. She grew lightheaded, using one of the tent's supports to steady herself. But even close to passing out, she was ready to hit Mason if he tried touching her again.
Once dizziness had faded away, Andy looked over at him, disgusted. "I saved your life," she hissed. "But I guess it's only ok when I'm the damsel. Right?" Then she laughed. Although it wasn't out of amusement or humor, more anger and sheer shock at the whole situation. She wanted to call him a hypocrite and a bunch of other nasty words, but even in her anger she couldn't bring herself to be unnecessarily cruel to him... Even if he deserved it.
"Gods, why do I do this to myself?" She asked herself. Her voice wasn't loud or sharp. She sounded exhausted, dejected... defeated. "I thought being together would finally stop the fighting... but it didn't. I just left one man who never put me first for another who's always mad at me." Her voice faltered as she motioned half-heartedly toward Mason. She had nothing else to say. She was out of words, out of energy... Out of fucks, honestly.
Andy reached around him to grab a medkit from the cart. She turned to face him, looking him in the eyes. "For the record, I made you invisible. I didn't stop you from fighting." It was bullshit that he was blaming her for 'taking him off the playing board'. He was injured and already struggling after the cyclops. The invisibility was only to protect him. He still could have fought, used his powers, or whatever else to his heart's content. But instead he acted as if she put him in time out. With the first aid in hand, Andy made her way to the exit.
She lingered for a brief moment in the doorway. "Don't follow me." And with that, she disappeared back out into the arena. She had no intention of staying in a tent with Mason overnight when he was acting like that. She was tired of being treated like shit by Ajax, by Mason... by anyone. It just seemed that this was the straw that broke the camel's back.
She didn't make eye contact with anyone as she passed through whomever remained outside the tents and made her way toward the risers. There were a lot of stairs and Andy's legs screamed in protest, but she slowly climbed her way up the stands until she was nearly at the top. Once she was far enough way not to make out any conversations or be forced to talk, she took a seat with a sigh. There was a lump in her throat and she could feel that tingling sensation in her nose and eyes like she was about to cry, but she didn't let herself.
After taking a moment to catch her breath and calm herself, Andy opened the first aid kit and surveyed what was inside. It wasn't as much as she'd like, but she'd at least be able to finish addressing her arm, which was her only real problem area. There was no way she was going to attempt stitches. One, because she was weak and her hands were shaky, and two, because she didn't know if there was enough skin to stitch. Since it was already cleaned, she could put some ointment on it and then wrap it in a fresh bandage. Good enough.
She could have made her way back down and tried to find an empty tent, but Andy was tired enough she could have slept anywhere, and it didn't look like rain. With what little energy remained, she conjured herself a set of fluffy pajamas and a cozy little bed that was basically a large sleeping bag on some kind of cushion wedged between two rows of the risers. Of course, the moment she got herself tucked in and comfortable, her mind wanted to do everything but sleep. So, with a sigh, she laid there, watching the sky shift as the sun rose, waiting for sleep to take her.
Andy watched as the peroxide washed away blood, dirt and whatever else had found its way into the mess that was her arm. She spit the cloth out of her mouth when the stinging subsided and the fluid stopped bubbling. As she grabbed a clean rag and started dabbing at her arm, someone stubbled in through the canvas entrance. She looked up, ready to tell whomever it was that the tent was occupied, but froze when she saw it was Mason.
"Mason..." she said barely above a whisper. Andy was thankful he was alive. So thankful that she had all but forgotten the reason she was mad at him in the first place. That was... until he spoke.
"You take me off the playing board again, I'll kill you myself." There was no joking or sarcasm in his tone. Mason looked pissed and like he meant every word, nostrils flared and hands clenched. He then had the audacity to come toward her and grab her neck like he was going to kiss her.
Andy sat there in a stunned silence until his hands were on her. As he pulled her in, she pressed her hands against his chest and pushed him away, indifferent of his injuries as he was of hers. "How dare you talk to me like that!" She stood up, trying to put as much space between the two of them as she could within the small confines of the tent. She grew lightheaded, using one of the tent's supports to steady herself. But even close to passing out, she was ready to hit Mason if he tried touching her again.
Once dizziness had faded away, Andy looked over at him, disgusted. "I saved your life," she hissed. "But I guess it's only ok when I'm the damsel. Right?" Then she laughed. Although it wasn't out of amusement or humor, more anger and sheer shock at the whole situation. She wanted to call him a hypocrite and a bunch of other nasty words, but even in her anger she couldn't bring herself to be unnecessarily cruel to him... Even if he deserved it.
"Gods, why do I do this to myself?" She asked herself. Her voice wasn't loud or sharp. She sounded exhausted, dejected... defeated. "I thought being together would finally stop the fighting... but it didn't. I just left one man who never put me first for another who's always mad at me." Her voice faltered as she motioned half-heartedly toward Mason. She had nothing else to say. She was out of words, out of energy... Out of fucks, honestly.
Andy reached around him to grab a medkit from the cart. She turned to face him, looking him in the eyes. "For the record, I made you invisible. I didn't stop you from fighting." It was bullshit that he was blaming her for 'taking him off the playing board'. He was injured and already struggling after the cyclops. The invisibility was only to protect him. He still could have fought, used his powers, or whatever else to his heart's content. But instead he acted as if she put him in time out. With the first aid in hand, Andy made her way to the exit.
She lingered for a brief moment in the doorway. "Don't follow me." And with that, she disappeared back out into the arena. She had no intention of staying in a tent with Mason overnight when he was acting like that. She was tired of being treated like shit by Ajax, by Mason... by anyone. It just seemed that this was the straw that broke the camel's back.
She didn't make eye contact with anyone as she passed through whomever remained outside the tents and made her way toward the risers. There were a lot of stairs and Andy's legs screamed in protest, but she slowly climbed her way up the stands until she was nearly at the top. Once she was far enough way not to make out any conversations or be forced to talk, she took a seat with a sigh. There was a lump in her throat and she could feel that tingling sensation in her nose and eyes like she was about to cry, but she didn't let herself.
After taking a moment to catch her breath and calm herself, Andy opened the first aid kit and surveyed what was inside. It wasn't as much as she'd like, but she'd at least be able to finish addressing her arm, which was her only real problem area. There was no way she was going to attempt stitches. One, because she was weak and her hands were shaky, and two, because she didn't know if there was enough skin to stitch. Since it was already cleaned, she could put some ointment on it and then wrap it in a fresh bandage. Good enough.
She could have made her way back down and tried to find an empty tent, but Andy was tired enough she could have slept anywhere, and it didn't look like rain. With what little energy remained, she conjured herself a set of fluffy pajamas and a cozy little bed that was basically a large sleeping bag on some kind of cushion wedged between two rows of the risers. Of course, the moment she got herself tucked in and comfortable, her mind wanted to do everything but sleep. So, with a sigh, she laid there, watching the sky shift as the sun rose, waiting for sleep to take her.
xxxxxxx E V E L Y N xx M A S T E R S
xxxxxDaughter of Nemesis | Outift | #ffc300
xxxxxxxx S Y L A S xx A S T O R
xxxxxxxSon of Eris | Outift | #064C4B
A thousand thoughts must’ve swirled through his head but only what he gave back would matter and be what she could act upon. “We should get to the arena so you can get that looked at.” He turned his back on her and began walking to the arena.
While she didn’t expect to be forgiven with a few words, Sylas’s response somehow deepened her hurt, adding to her pain, dumping weights and volumes on her. But Evelyn didn’t fight it. She stared forward, accepting the small feeling, it being exactly what she deserved before trailing after him. She knew how bad it looked-…was!... leaving him alone with a Kraken. Maybe she wasn't half as noble as she thought. Maybe she was out to save her own skin after all.
Evelyn lingered between stewing in her own thoughts and a void, following Sylas blindly staring into nothing otherwise risking sheepish glances at his back, hoping he'd turn around and talk to her about it, or maybe that she'd catch a few more words uttered to himself but there was nothing. Sylas, she prompted in her head more times than she cared for but his name never reached aloud for the best.
She slowed upon reaching the arena unsure entirely where to go for the best aid or if she wanted to talk to people first or had anyone to see. Her eyes took in the rows of tents and other battle worn and injured demigods and then they refound Sylas, paused outside of one tent before disappearing inside. He was better left alone for the moment or at least away from her even with her nagging concern. As she strolled by the numerous tents, looking for one vacant and well-placed, she heard the gentle thud of materials being fumbled with and a quiet strain from within slowing her approach. She tried to tell herself Sylas was capable, that she was the last one he wanted to see, and to keep walking. Situations weren't as dire but she couldn't leave him again. The least he could do with was some aid.
She cupped her stomach, subduing the nerves again, locking out her pain receptors with a deep breath. Then she took in another breath and entered the very same tent Sylas occupied. The moment he saw her she held her hands up in surrender meaning no harm, or more precisely, in their case, she wasn't there for a confrontation. Her eyes travelled to some of the scattered bandages on the floor not to mention the ones under the cot she couldn't see then his hands. Gods, the whole state of him. “Sit,” she ordered, suddenly possessed by sure-footedness and business. Their fresh circumstance could be shoved aside for now; he needed tending to. Until he did as told, Evelyn stood there, unwavering and unamused. The only expression he'd get was a quizzical brow as to why he hadn't moved yet and accepted help he clearly needed. There really was no option or discussion to be made about it.
Whether or not Sylas was expecting someone to enter his tent, he was unsure, but the didn't stop him from looking the feintest bit surprised when she entered. He was always an independent person who hated relying on others for companionship... or even aid. If their recent experiences were anything to go by, people usually disappointed you. And unfortunately, Evelyn had shown herself to be no different. He was hurt, emotionally and physically... Although he'd never admit to anything... ever.
Sylas quickly let his curiosity return to his cold, emotionless facade. He got up off the cot, crossed the tent, and leaned down to pick up the bandages he had dropped. And even though it took every bit of focus to be able to pick them up and not show the pain across his face, he did, looking like he always did. He held up the item nonchalantly with a tight lipped smirk. "I got it. Just knocked it over."
When Evelyn didn't move or say anything, Sylas sighed. "Seriously?" He rolled his eyes as he sat back down, frustrated. He'd never admit it, not out loud at least, but he was thankful that she came in to help him. He needed it. Just his little act of bravado left his hand shaking and in intense pain. And maybe even a smaller part of him was happy it was her... He was still mad and his walls were still up, but even then it took work for him to remain distant. His conflicting emotions were giving him a migraine and softening his resolve. Evelyn won, but just this once.
Evelyn stepped up to him once he did the wise thing of sitting and unwound her hastily made now drenched makeshift bandaging job from earlier that barely held together. She paused for a moment with her hands under his, studying the gape in his palms, the sacrificial wound he obtained for her and before her thumbs could caress him she found clarity, snapping herself out of it and searching for a sterilizer and cloth in the cart nearby. “Seawater sterilizes most bacteria but not all. It's better to be thorough,” she explained as she dabbed over his exposed wounds carefully. Sylas with an infection would not be pretty, and though unlikely, who knew the contents inside a kraken and their ocean...whether illusion or whatever else.
There was a fleeting thought to fill in the silence with small talk, but that likely wouldn't be effective nor wise, so she kept her eyes and speech absorbed in her work, grabbing the materials she needed and gazing only on what she was treating, occasionally stealing glances at her patient's face for his reaction. “Does it hurt?” She could take that away if he wanted or dull it at least. However, having a good hunch on Sylas, he may have been inclined to lie or downplay and dance around the truth, reluctant for further help. She wound some fresh bandages around his hands, this time properly and with a bit more skill. There, Evelyn used the contact to brush her fingertips along his wrist as she finished up and dulled his pain slightly. He could keep some pain for his pride or he could ask for her to remove it noticeably. That choice was at least his.
Sylas remained quiet and still as he watched her work. Even wounded, dirty, and not on his good side, Evelyn still had a mesmerizing beauty about her. Her magnetism would get him killed one day if he didn't shut her out, but he didn't move... not an inch. He cleared his throat to answer her question. "Yes and no. I think the electrocution singed a lot of my nerve endings." He didn't meet her gaze as he spoke, instead staring fixatedly at his blackened fingertips.
She gave a neutral hum. She stepped back to study her work and his own recent bandaging on his abdomen, searching his body for any missed knicks and open wounds. “How's that?” she asked, inclusive of feedback and if she missed anything. He still looked pale and stained with his battle scars and bruises.
He shrugged his shoulders in response. "Fine?" Sylas wasn't an expert when it came to first aid or anything like that. Believe it or not, he rarely found himself in need of it. People usually were scared enough of him to give him a wide birth and not fuck with him. He has been ran through the ringer more at camp than he has in his entire life.
“You need a bath,” she murmured more to herself than him. One drowned in the healing properties of ointment and oils and warmth. But cleanliness and comfort didn't take priority presently.
"You don't really smell like roses either," Sylas retorted, taking her words to mean he smelled. Hell, everyone probably looked and smelled like shit. It didn't even cross his mind until she said something about it.
She nearly rolled her eyes but a shiver rippled up her spine, reminding her of her own plummeting temperature and dirtiness and she spotted folded pajamas on each cot. Dry, warm, clean pajamas. Whoever made these tents, likely Andy, stocked them well and practically. She turned her back to Sylas, shuffling up to the other cot. She half glanced over her shoulder checking on him. “You should put on some dry pants at least.” If he could. She proceeded to take off her top. She might’ve cared more about modesty if it wasn't Sylas, he hadn’t seen everything already, and she wasn't cold. Oddly, she trusted him and he had his own task of getting changed. With her back to him, she glimpsed at her own wound and grimaced. Evelyn reached for the cart, keen to keep her back to him and cleaned the predominant wound then sealed it with adhesive wound dressing, stroking it down. Evelyn cupped around the bandage for a second then replaced her bareness with the pajama top.
With her sufficing duties done of patching him up, she was hesitant to turn back around and face him, the fire and authority in her dwindling. There was no more business to keep her stubbornly preoccupied, she noted. Evelyn stepped out of her wet shorts hypnotically, the pajama top overhanging some length thankfully. This would typically be the part where she asked him what he thought it was, who was behind it...even thank him. She grabbed the pajama bottoms sliding them up with no more stall routes.
While under other circumstances Sylas would have unabashedly watched her change, even enjoyed the view, the circumstances were entirely different. He stood up from his cot and turned his back to her. His gaze fell to the folded pajamas, then his hands. How in the hell was he going to do this? It was bad enough he needed help bandaging himself, he couldn't bare the humiliation of needing help getting changed. He stood there for a long moment in silence, bracing himself before finally hooking his thumbs in the waistband of his pants. His jaw clenched as he slowly inched the fabric down. While he might have looked well enough, he couldn't hide the quivering in his breaths. Compared to the other campers, his wounds were on the less severe side, but having little to no use of both of his hands left him feeling handicapped and useless.
Reluctantly, Evelyn turned back to him only to see Sylas struggling with his pants. Still. She inhaled deeply through her nose. Not as a sigh but a brace. By most standards she was doing the right thing, but by his probably proving a nuisance and reminding him of his physically vulnerable state. “If you need help…” It really was as simple as asking or just consenting if it was easier.
She stepped up to him hesitantly. She would have rathered express permission but watching him was a progressless path and painful. “Just...let me...” She took his waistband carefully and removed his pants for him, only keeping her eyes on the material. Then helped him slide on the new pants until it sat comfortably at his hips. Evelyn backed away granting him space again and perched on the other cot, grateful to sit for a moment.
For a brief moment, Sylas contemplated arguing, but instead he remained silent and let her help. He hated this, all of it. He'd rather have been stabbed in the gut than have virtually no use of his hands. He hated being dependent on others. He was not the type of person to ask for help, no matter who it was. He was stubborn and independent. He wanted to be mad at Evelyn. But the longer she was in his tent, aiding him without him ever asking... made it difficult.
In his stubbornness, he kept his gaze adverted, focused on the cot, med cart, or anything else by Evelyn as she helped him dress. Sylas wouldn't dare asking for help with his pajama shirt. He'd rather struggle with it after she left or just be cold and topless.
When he saw her sit on the opposite cot, it became apparent that Evelyn had no intentions on leaving until they spoke. Sylas didn't want to talk. While he could talk circles around people when he was in good form, everything with the daughter of Nemesis left him on unsure footing. He didn't talk about his feelings. Those were personal. But her body language said she was chomping at the bit to say more, to fill the silence with apologies and whatever other platitudes.
With a sigh, Sylas lowered himself onto his cot. He cupped his bandaged hands in his lap, not sure what to do with the useless appendages. They seemed more in the way than anything when they had no function. He mulled over what to say in his mind for several minutes before finally breaking the silence. "I would have protected you." There was a cold bite to his words, resentment, and the faint hurt of betrayal. He didn't look up, nor did he have much else to say. It was rare that Sylas would ever put himself in harms way for someone else. Yet, he did that... and she ran. He was starting to understand why people swore off women.
Her head started to sag, a mix of exhaustion from the night and mental defeat. But hearing him speak, much more of what he said, she lifted her head in surprise. She took in a breath twiddling her thumbs. “I know. Maybe,” she shrugged. Who could really guarantee protection against all the forces and things that wanted to murder them in camp though? She had no doubt he'd try however and that's what mattered. But his point was not to say what he would have done for her; it was how she did him wrong.
Evelyn focused on a spot on the wall so she wasn't put off by his icy gaze. “I thought 'what could I do against a Kraken?' In hindsight, of course, maybe a few things. But instead, I wanted to get help, a child of Poseidon so something effective could meet it in the water but...” her eyes flickered back to him doubting he'd care for her reasoning. Regardless, he ended up swallowed then nearly drowned.
“I'm truly sorry,” she said again. She slid off the cot with a wince and crept towards him tentatively once more. If she could take it back, she would. But...hindsight...it was a cruel thing. Even more cautiously, she reached for his hand, slipping hers under his. “And, thank you,” she added more quietly. She simultaneously owed him thanks for looking after her with the gladiator and tsunami. She brought his singed fingertips to her lips and pecked them lightly, keeping her eyes on Sylas. Evelyn brought his hand to her cheek next, nuzzling slightly.
Hardly a gentle soul, she knew things could go wrong in a second, providing Sylas willed it. This was Evelyn showing her trust, showing her affection, showing she cared and showing she was grateful he was still here. If he only knew the feeling that took a hold of her when she thought he was gone.
Sylas didn't know how to react in the moment. There was a part of him that wanted to pull away, retract his hand, and give her a cold shoulder, but he didn't stop her. He watched as she kissed his injured fingers and rested her cheek in his palm. He didn't know if he should feel honored that Evelyn kept coming back to him or if he should feel sorry for her. Perhaps a bit of both. She only liked him for the person she thought he was. He might have shown her fragments, but they were mere glimpses. When the facade truly falls, she'll be gone.
He was the type of person to hold tight to grudges. He was still sore and hurt, but with every soft word she spoke or tender touch Sylas found his callused walls softening. While he was no stranger to having women wrapped around his finger, everything about this dynamic was new and often left him on unsure footing. His life was full of hatred or tough love, with little love. This almost unconditional caring was uncharted territory. It was selfish, but he was going to enjoy it while it lasted... It was only a matter of time...
"We should get some rest," he said quietly, his voice finally breaking the silence. Since they had been sitting for awhile, his body really started to protest showing how exhausted he really was. And even with fresh pajamas, Sylas was still freezing. His mind was so busy, he hadn't realized until that moment that he was shivering.
Slowly, and gingerly, Sylas pulled the pajama shirt on to try and warm himself. Knowing his hands wouldn't cooperate, Sylas didn't even attempt the buttons. He groaned and huffed as he adjusted and laid back on his cot. Everything was sore. He felt like he was hit by a train and desperately desired to sleep for two days straight. Once he was comfortable, or as comfortable as he could be, he looked up at Evelyn. He shifted to side slightly and held out an arm. There wasn't much room and he doubted they'd get much relief crammed together on a single cot, but the offer was there.
It wasn't exactly forgiveness but it was something. Evelyn twitched up a small smile and while logic was the typical winner, she shuffled onto the cot with Sylas and into his arm. She'd stay like this, at least for a while. Given her personal fatigue and exhaustion and reluctant admittance of the odd comforting sensation of resting against Sylas, her eyes got heavier. “Let me know if I can do anything,” she said wearily before sleep quickly took her.
She was sure Sylas would have no issues in waking her to move if he found anything too uncomfortable or creep away himself. The same applied to her and her wounds. But for now rest was most blissful.
xxxxxxxxxx T R I N I T Y xx W A L L A C E
xxxxxxx Daughter of Ares | Outfit | #461f4b
“Yeah... I was content letting him get eaten,” Wes said.
Trinity smiled and dared to take some assurance in Wesley’s humour, her chest lifting in alleviation but as they tried to rise and get him back on his feet, Wes didn’t look well. “Son of a—” was all he managed before toppling over.
“Woah, woah, woah.” Trinity scrambled to readjust her hold and balance his now deadweight without him hitting the ground, and even with a mechanical limb short, he was…well double her size and she was stupidly relaxed. She peered over his shoulder and sighed out. “It's okay. I got you.” With Wes was unconscious, the assurance was more self-serving and she needed it.
“You need a hand carrying him?” That frustrating familiar voice.
Trinity sent a cold look up at him. Over her dead body. Not to mention Wes didn't even like the guy.
“Look we’re heading in same direction anyway.” Lochlan added.
Trinity's hold and death stare remained perfectly in place. “I'll do it myself.” She wasn't letting a guy she didn't trust so much as touch Wesley. Out of raw defiance and stubbornness, Trinity tried to carry, drag, even craft a makeshift stretcher to transport Wes' body on and partially succeeded every few steps before switching methods or retrying something but it was just so fucking awkward on her lonesome.
Trinity huffed and stood upright, rubbing her forehead. With great difficulty, and Wes would have to forgive her, she addressed Lochlan. “Okay, yeah, I could use some help.” The sooner they got some medical treatment, the better. Looking Lochlan over as he approached, the same probably applied for him.
Lochlan did the wise thing of keeping it a quiet journey and being obedient to her directions on how to handle Wes. She only hoped, kind of for both their sakes, he didn’t wake mid-transport and kick out at Lochlan. It would be funny, just not ideal.
Together, they managed to haul Wes to the arena. Almost at the very threshold, Lochlan found his voice again. “You two okay from here? ”
She could see he was keen to go and without care for his reason, Trinity gave a curt nod and waved him off. Lochlan left Wes solely in her care and arms again. A little “oof” escaped her, wrapping her arms around his mid section, once his full weight fell back on her. “Thank you. Really, thank you.” He offered where Trinity sooner expected him to pace off. He even made a point to catch her eye.
Maybe he was being somewhat sincere. Trinity just nodded at him again. She couldn’t say you’re welcome or thank you back but she could say his genuine thanks was received.
She sighed out and managed to log Wes along to the closest unoccupied tent and shift him on a cot. But nursing, no matter how many wounds she had afflicted over time, was not her forte. Trinity gnawed on her lip anxiously and started applying pressure to his wound to stop or at least slow the bleeding some...so he didn't bleed out and faint like already had. She glanced at the cart seeing a range of medical supplies but it was all meaningless if you didn't know what you were doing or where to begin. She just hoped a child of Apollo or a qualified nurse was doing the rounds.
But hope was another thing she didn't like to depend on. “Come on. You need to wake up and give me directions,” she muttered to Wes. She cupped his head so he didn’t startle that someone had their hands up by his thigh. That said, she had to get on top of her own wound too. She grimaced and swapped hands, one hand cradling her boar bite and one over Wes's wound sitting on the cot by him.
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Blair was so lost searching every new face as it entered the arena that she hadn't noticed someone approaching her.
"Can I help?"
She looked up, a bit startled, even more surprised to find it was Duke, of all people. While their conversation they had the day before might not have got them off on the right foot, the situation was dire enough that neither one of them seemed to harbor any ill will. She sighed and gave a weak smile. "I doubt it... I'm looking for my brother. We got separated in the middle of—" Her hand waved around, motioning generally towards everything.
Her gaze briefly drifted towards Sloane, who hurried through the crowd and out of the arena. While the girls never had bad blood between them, there was a sour taste that remained after how much heartbreak the girl put her brother through. Lochlan would be better off ignoring Sloane and giving her a wide birth. But no. The idiot had to run to save her the second he saw her in trouble and now Blair was the one left waiting and worrying while the beefy Ares boy got the laurels for saving Sloane.
Blair pulled her eyes away to look back over at Duke with a sad smile. "Were you hurt?" she asked while looking him over for any signs of injury. Funny how she chose to fuss over someone else rather than address her bloody shoulder or the scratches she gained from being dragged along the forest floor. It was rare for Blair to be so altruistic but it distracted her... And maybe it helped that Duke was cute.
Before she could say anything else, Blair's gaze drifted toward the entrance in time to see Lochlan limping into view helping carrying a hot, half naked, bleeding guy. Without a word she gasped and half stumbled her way down the stands toward her brother. She barely gave him a moment to brace himself after setting the man down before she pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank the Gods." She had half a mind to scold him about him leaving her to chase after Sloane, but even she wasn't a big enough bitch to air that laundry out in front of everyone. It could wait.
In the middle of their hug, something magnetic pulled at Blair, begging her to open her eyes and look down at the unconscious man on the ground. He was gorgeous, like ungodly so. For a brief moment everything around her melted away... Until her gaze fell upon the large gash in his thigh and the blood spilling from it.
"Come on. You need to wake up and give me directions," the worried blonde said as she cupped the guy's head, begging for him to wake up.
Blair's eyes blinked quickly like trying to fight off sleep. She pulled away from her brother and dragged her eyes from the gorgeous guy to look at, what she assumed was, the distressed girlfriend. "He's going to bleed out if we don't close that up..."
Without another word, she left the small group and began looking around. They were in an arena, so there had to be a metal weapon somewhere. She had to search for a bit but eventually found a gladius. Blair hurried back over to the group and plunged the blade into the closest lit brazier. "It'll stop the bleeding, but he isn't going to like it," It wasn't much of a warning but she figured she should tell the girl before burning the shit out of her guy's leg.
Once the blade looked hot enough, Blair quickly knelt down beside them, using her knees to pin the guy's uninjured leg. "I need you to hold him down." It took more self control than she wanted to admit, but she managed to push the leg of his boxers out of the way. She took a deep breath then pressed the hot metal against the large wound.
Wes's eyes immediately snapped open. He screamed out in pain and would have sat up abruptly if he weren't being held down. But even with multiple hands on him, he jerked so much he nearly kneed the brunette. Luckily, she was able to hold the blade in place long enough to cauterize the wound before his thrashing knocked her over.
In other circumstances Blair would have been pissed off, and part of her still was, but she said nothing. She winced slightly, trying not to use her shoulder too much or let it touch the ground as she got up. Back on her feet, she gave Lochlan a gentle tap on the shoulder. "Let's find a tent."
It wasn't until Blair was retreating with her brother that Wes stopped reeling and managed to catch his breath. He groaned as he propped himself up on his elbow. His gaze fell from his missing bionic arm to his burnt, blood covered thigh. "On my way to becoming a cripple," he joked with a weak laugh.
Wes managed to force himself into a sitting position so that his hand was free to graze Trinity's cheek softly. "You ok, Blondie?"
It didn't take long for Blair to stumble upon an unoccupied tent. While sleeping in a cot was definitely not on her list of fun activities, she'd have to settle for it. Lochlan was in no shape to limp his way back to their cabins, and honestly, there was a solid chance that they were no longer standing. As she guided him inside, her eyes drifted back toward the rest of the arena, Duke stood not far from where she left him. She sighed. "Go sit down. I'll be back."
She made her way back over to Duke, placing her hand gently on his forearm to get his attention. "Sorry. You were being nice and I was rude." Blair cleared her throat, apologizing was definitely not something that came easy to her. "Thank you for checking on me." She pointed in the direction of the tent Lochlan was in. "That's our tent if you'd like help... or just someone to talk to." She gave him a lopsided, tired smile. "Promise you can still hate me in the morning."
Without another word Blair wandered back over to their tent. She sighed as she looked over her brother. "Alright, spill... What stupid shit did you do for her?"
Blair was so lost searching every new face as it entered the arena that she hadn't noticed someone approaching her.
"Can I help?"
She looked up, a bit startled, even more surprised to find it was Duke, of all people. While their conversation they had the day before might not have got them off on the right foot, the situation was dire enough that neither one of them seemed to harbor any ill will. She sighed and gave a weak smile. "I doubt it... I'm looking for my brother. We got separated in the middle of—" Her hand waved around, motioning generally towards everything.
Her gaze briefly drifted towards Sloane, who hurried through the crowd and out of the arena. While the girls never had bad blood between them, there was a sour taste that remained after how much heartbreak the girl put her brother through. Lochlan would be better off ignoring Sloane and giving her a wide birth. But no. The idiot had to run to save her the second he saw her in trouble and now Blair was the one left waiting and worrying while the beefy Ares boy got the laurels for saving Sloane.
Blair pulled her eyes away to look back over at Duke with a sad smile. "Were you hurt?" she asked while looking him over for any signs of injury. Funny how she chose to fuss over someone else rather than address her bloody shoulder or the scratches she gained from being dragged along the forest floor. It was rare for Blair to be so altruistic but it distracted her... And maybe it helped that Duke was cute.
Before she could say anything else, Blair's gaze drifted toward the entrance in time to see Lochlan limping into view helping carrying a hot, half naked, bleeding guy. Without a word she gasped and half stumbled her way down the stands toward her brother. She barely gave him a moment to brace himself after setting the man down before she pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank the Gods." She had half a mind to scold him about him leaving her to chase after Sloane, but even she wasn't a big enough bitch to air that laundry out in front of everyone. It could wait.
In the middle of their hug, something magnetic pulled at Blair, begging her to open her eyes and look down at the unconscious man on the ground. He was gorgeous, like ungodly so. For a brief moment everything around her melted away... Until her gaze fell upon the large gash in his thigh and the blood spilling from it.
"Come on. You need to wake up and give me directions," the worried blonde said as she cupped the guy's head, begging for him to wake up.
Blair's eyes blinked quickly like trying to fight off sleep. She pulled away from her brother and dragged her eyes from the gorgeous guy to look at, what she assumed was, the distressed girlfriend. "He's going to bleed out if we don't close that up..."
Without another word, she left the small group and began looking around. They were in an arena, so there had to be a metal weapon somewhere. She had to search for a bit but eventually found a gladius. Blair hurried back over to the group and plunged the blade into the closest lit brazier. "It'll stop the bleeding, but he isn't going to like it," It wasn't much of a warning but she figured she should tell the girl before burning the shit out of her guy's leg.
Once the blade looked hot enough, Blair quickly knelt down beside them, using her knees to pin the guy's uninjured leg. "I need you to hold him down." It took more self control than she wanted to admit, but she managed to push the leg of his boxers out of the way. She took a deep breath then pressed the hot metal against the large wound.
Wes's eyes immediately snapped open. He screamed out in pain and would have sat up abruptly if he weren't being held down. But even with multiple hands on him, he jerked so much he nearly kneed the brunette. Luckily, she was able to hold the blade in place long enough to cauterize the wound before his thrashing knocked her over.
In other circumstances Blair would have been pissed off, and part of her still was, but she said nothing. She winced slightly, trying not to use her shoulder too much or let it touch the ground as she got up. Back on her feet, she gave Lochlan a gentle tap on the shoulder. "Let's find a tent."
It wasn't until Blair was retreating with her brother that Wes stopped reeling and managed to catch his breath. He groaned as he propped himself up on his elbow. His gaze fell from his missing bionic arm to his burnt, blood covered thigh. "On my way to becoming a cripple," he joked with a weak laugh.
Wes managed to force himself into a sitting position so that his hand was free to graze Trinity's cheek softly. "You ok, Blondie?"
It didn't take long for Blair to stumble upon an unoccupied tent. While sleeping in a cot was definitely not on her list of fun activities, she'd have to settle for it. Lochlan was in no shape to limp his way back to their cabins, and honestly, there was a solid chance that they were no longer standing. As she guided him inside, her eyes drifted back toward the rest of the arena, Duke stood not far from where she left him. She sighed. "Go sit down. I'll be back."
She made her way back over to Duke, placing her hand gently on his forearm to get his attention. "Sorry. You were being nice and I was rude." Blair cleared her throat, apologizing was definitely not something that came easy to her. "Thank you for checking on me." She pointed in the direction of the tent Lochlan was in. "That's our tent if you'd like help... or just someone to talk to." She gave him a lopsided, tired smile. "Promise you can still hate me in the morning."
Without another word Blair wandered back over to their tent. She sighed as she looked over her brother. "Alright, spill... What stupid shit did you do for her?"
Ethan Knox ~ Hestia ~ #8B4513
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Heath Taylor ~ Athena ~ #808000
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Iliana Remington-Taylor ~
Demeter ~ #4A766E
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Penelope Givens ~ Hermes ~ #483D8B
This was how Heath found his sister. He miraculously found the main hall and from there made it to the arena. His head was still killing him but seeing the condition of some of the other campers upon entering the arena, he got off easily. He was quick to notice the tents too and medical supplies. Soon he spotted his sister and a passed-out Nelly. Relieved, he approached them.
"Lia, how are you?"
Iliana looked up to see Heath as he bent down on the other side of Nelly.
"I hurt my knee, but other than being tired, I am okay. Nelly apparently got bit by a snake and lost some blood. Her shirt is covering the wound. I want to check her injury, but I can't do it on my own. She needs fresh bandages. I wish I had some of my healing ointment."
Keeping his cool, Heath nodded. He knew how to do basic first aid and had read up on what to do in emergencies too, but never really put it into practice. He just hoped Nelly didn't need stitches since he had no knowledge of that.
"Let me get some medical supplies. I'll be right back." he said before getting up.
Returning, he and Iliana worked together to patch Nelly up better, who remained unconscious throughout the whole procedure. Her injury hadn't been too serious, but the bite was deep. It didn't look like she was poisoned from what either could tell since the skin wasn't swollen. It must have been a big snake too since the distance between to the 2 puncture wounds were almost 6 inches apart, at least from what Heath could tell. After finishing up, Heath took Nelly to one of the tents and put her inside of one. The best thing she needed was rest until Cherise could help her. Iliana said she'd make some of her healing ointment to help Nelly as well as anyone else.
"Okay sis, time to help you out. Let's get you seated somewhere. You can tell me how you got hurt so I have a better idea." Heath said before picking his sister up and putting her on one of the bleachers so he could inspect her knee.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ethan acknowledged Veronica's request. He did need to get Daniel help asap and while he did feel guilty leaving Veronica behind, he felt slightly better that someone was sticking with her. Seemed like new people were still showing up. Now he wouldn't wonder about it. As he led the horse to the arena, he thought about recent events, especially tonight. Considering he wasn't the fighting type, he thought he did decently, but what about next time, if there was. Why was he really here? The answer was simple, to help Heath with Iliana. Before tonight's event, it seemed like Iliana was trying to do more things on her own, considering she wanted to train with Nicholas. Did she really need his help anymore? Thought of it left him reeling a bit and he would have pursued that line of thinking if he hadn't come upon the arena just then.
Feeling relieved, he entered the arena to see a good number of campers there, including Heath and Iliana. As much as he wanted to check on them, his first priority was Daniel, who was still out of it. A cursory glance didn't reveal Andy anywhere. Considering Daniel's condition, maybe it was a good thing she wasn't around. Being careful, he managed to get Daniel off of the horse and ease him on the ground as carefully as possible, even though it was a struggle. Then he went about seeing to any injuries he could manage.